Developmental Formulation and Psychotherapy of Borderline Adolescents

The author describes the process of arriving at a developmental formulation and psychotherapeutic technique for the borderline adolescent. A variety of theoretical models of etiology and treatment are discussed, many of which conflict. The author points out that therapists must choose among conflicting models and, at times, mix or change therapeutic models during the course of treatment. The potential risks and benefits of altering therapeutic models is described in detail. A case example in which the developmental formulation and therapeutic model changed during the course of therapy is presented.